The rain caused the collapse of a historical part of San Ġwann, which, although could be considered minimal, still formed a part of our heritage.

On the side of the old chapel known as Tal-Prepostu is a lane that was the original road connecting Tal-Balal with Msieraħ. On one side of it, forming part of the old rubble wall, was a double arch that is considered original. This was completely destroyed, lost for posterity.

The members of the Wirt San Ġwann committee hope this ‘window’ will eventually be restored with the help of the local council. They would like to know if any similar arch exists in any part of the Maltese countryside.

Not long ago, another historical monument was also damaged by the rain. This was the World War II pillbox we managed to protect from being demolished to make way for more apartment blocks. One side of it collapsed when it rained but it is being restored.

We cannot afford to lose any part of our heritage, no matter how unimportant it could be. There’s enough pulling down of old buildings going on all over the island to be replaced by boxes of concrete meant for human habitation.